June 25, 2014

Beck will play the Fox Theatre on Saturday. / Peter Hapak

Detroit Free Press Pop Music Critic

Electric Forest

The musically dexterous String Cheese Incident is once again a multiple-night headliner for this esteemed Michigan fest, which has locked in its place as one of the country’s leading convergences of electronic music and jam-band rock. With its gorgeously decorated landscapes, whimsical spirit and organic sense of community, Electric Forest is more than a music event; at this point, the four-day affair has taken on a distinct personality while becoming a destination of choice in a crowded U.S. festival market. Still, the grooves will always be the main attraction, and SCI is set to be joined at this year’s fest by 100-plus performers including Umphrey’s McGee, DJ Steve Angello, Lauryn Hill, Zedd and STS9, a fixture since the early Rothbury days. Double JJ Ranch, Water Park and Golf Resort, 5900 Water Rd., Rothbury. 231-894-4444. Weekend ticket $262.50.

FRIDAY

'American Idol' Live!

Metro Detroit made its biggest “American Idol” mark yet in the show’s recent 13th season, sending three homegrown contestants to the final round and one — Farmington Hills teen Jena Irene — to the championship showdown. With “Idol” suffering a slip in popularity, the annual concert tour has been scaled back for this summer, including this area date: Rather than the usual visit to an arena such as the Palace or Joe Louis, the Idols will play the cozier 5,000-seat showroom at Windsor’s casino, night three on the two-month tour. (An Aug. 7 stop at Soaring Eagle is also on the schedule.) Runner-up Jena Irene will be joined on the bill by winner Caleb Johnson, along with Southfield’s Malaya Watson, West Bloomfield native Sam Woolf and the rest of the season’s 13 finalists. 8 p.m., Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Drive, Windsor. 800-991-7777. $25 and up Canadian.

Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band

After showing up like clockwork every couple of years, Ringo went eight years between metro Detroit shows: His last performance here was a DTE date in 2006. The ex-Beatle’s latest collection of players includes Todd Rundgren, Steve Lukather (Toto), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Gregg Rolie (Santana) and Detroit-born Gregg Bissonette playing the nifty role of Ringo Starr’s drummer. Expect an upbeat set of familiar solo hits and Fab Four fare, along with turns in the spotlight from each of Ringo’s sidemen. 7:30 p.m., DTE Energy Music Theatre, I-75 at exit 89, Clarkston. 248-377-0100. $15-$79. Also, 7:30 p.m., Toledo Zoo Amphitheater, 2700 Broadway, Toledo. $50-$125.

Stephen Marley

En route to Rothbury for his Saturday performance at Electric Forest, the 42-year-old son of Bob Marley will alight at Campus Martius to help kick off the latest edition of the annual 4th Fridays concert series, which draws diverse crowds for pleasant evenings of music in the heart of downtown Detroit. Stephen Marley — who also performs as part of his older brother Ziggy’s Melody Makers band — will play at 9 p.m., following sets from local acts Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas (7 p.m.) and Detroit Reggae All Stars (5:30 p.m.). Campus Martius Park, Woodward at Michigan, Detroit. www.campusmartiuspark.org. Free.

SATURDAY

Beck

Beck’s first Detroit show in nine years brings him to the Fox on the heels of the strong new album “Morning Phase,” a sequel of sorts to 2002’s haunting tour de force “Sea Change.” Since emerging two decades ago with the era-defining “Loser,” Beck has been an engaging live presence, serving up just enough wry Gen X goofiness to go with the emphatic musical talent. This tour kicked off last week in Cleveland; expect a career-spanning set that includes the requisite hits alongside the more contemplative new stuff. Opening is Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, the project of Sean Lennon and girlfriend Kemp Muhl. 8 p.m., Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward, Detroit. 313-983-6611. $25-$59.50.

WEDNESDAY

Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry

This summer’s concert season is dominated by high-powered twin-headlining dates, and this latest one pairs the long-running pride of Buffalo rock with post-grunge rocker Chris Daughtry and his band. Kicking off the night will be Plain White T’s, still toiling to recapture the 2006 heights of “Hey There Delilah.” 7 p.m., DTE Energy Music Theatre, I-75 at exit 89, Clarkston. 248-377-0100. $25-$59.50.